Noting that the body of literature is limited, the author reviews research on correspondence study enrollments, instructors, and theories; independent learning; characteristics of quality in instruction; student-teacher interaction and feedback; and the learner's perspective of distance education. (SK)

The Independent Living Project for Deaf/Blind Youth emphasized the teaching of home management, personal management, social/emotional skills, work skills, and communication skills to increase low-functioning teenagers' autonomy. The project included an independent living apartment in which a video monitoring system was used for indirect…

Studied whether volunteers in diverse organizations have different motivations and personal characteristics and whether volunteer and nonvolunteer students exhibit different motivational characteristics. Found that college student volunteers (N=199) differed in Holland type and motivational needs and that they differed from reported norms for…

A discussion of language curriculum design for promoting learner autonomy looks at the objectives of such a curriculum, the learning implied by those objectives, and the function and relevance of the learnings. (Author/MSE)

Results add to a growing literature that demonstrates the influence of economic change on the quality of parent-child relationships. Research, which used data from a 2-year, 4-wave panel study, was conducted in 12 working- and middle-class communities where auto and auto-related manufacturing were the main industries. (RH)

Concept maps, diagrams that show the relationships among concepts in a piece of writing, can help students travel through literature to destinations that they can identify and defend. The use of concept maps for Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and The Sea" and Albert Camus'"The Stranger" is described. (MLW)

Investigated relationship between family-of-origin experiences and counseling effectiveness of counselors in training. Results from 50 graduate students in counseling revealed significant negative correlations between participants' perceived autonomy, perceived intimacy, and perceived levels of health in their family-of-origin experiences and…

Discusses basic characteristics of distance education and suggests areas for further development. Topics discussed include distance education as a substitute for conventional education versus a mode of education in its own right; non-contiguous communications; learning content; target groups; course development; and the need to support student…

Proposes a model of teacher training that emphasizes the personal growth and professional development of the teacher. Stresses intellectual autonomy and a realization of social responsibilities. Considers the implications of the model for courses dealing with the psychological and philosophical foundations of teaching. (DMM)

Discusses learner autonomy in traditional adult education and in adult distance education. Learning strategies are described, the teacher's role in each educational setting is examined, and examples of autonomy learning at a distance are given, one at the University of Surrey and one at the Open University in Great Britain. (32 references) (LRW)

Increasingly, colleges and universities are using procurement cards, which are credit cards with limited usage, for institutional faculty and staff to make small purchases without going through costly and inefficient purchasing channels. Some concerns include distribution of cards, increased liability, and monitoring of expenditures. (MSE)

Views education as vital in reducing violence. Emphasizes Piaget's view of the aim of education--moral and intellectual autonomy--as the way to teach children to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. Discusses what Piaget means by autonomy, the changes it entails in classroom practices, and how these changes are likely to reduce…

Examined circumstances in the last 3 days of life for a sample of 1,227 elderly decedents. Interviews were with a surviving next-of-kin or a nonrelative about three months after the event of death. Around 34% of the decedents knew that death was impending, while about 40% had difficulty recognizing family members. (RJM)

This study explored the use of a computer-based requesting system, employing animated graphics and touch-sensitive screen input, with three girls with Rett syndrome (characterized by severe motor disorder, impaired cognitive function, and language disorder). All three girls displayed increased item requesting when provided computer-based…

Choice making by people with an intellectual disability was studied through observation in three settings: a private family home, a community group home, and an independent living situation. Factors that affect choice making are identified, including experience at making choices and the role of support people. Suggestions are offered for service…